In Afghanistan, "economic empowerment” is a buzzword of the day, most frequently used by starry-eyed donors and development workers as they implement employment schemes, skill-development programs and community participation initiatives throughout the country, all in the name of gender equality.

After a decade in the region, NATO member states are preparing to remove their troops. The organization and the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) it leads have shifted from combat to preparing local forces for transition. Yet for the country to thrive post-war, ISAF will have to place special emphasis on gender issues. In a nation where women’s rights are trampled daily, the international community must prepare Afghan forces to safeguard them.

The war in Afghanistan won’t really be over until women’s rights are safe.